Alouette Lake Trail

Alouette Lake Trail in Golden Ears Provincial Park, just outside Maple Ridge, is a long but easy out-and-back wander through classic coastal forest. At 15.3 km with only 262 m of gain, it’s more about stretching your legs than grinding up hills, and most people wrap it up in around three and a half hours. You’re heading toward the Alouette Lake day-use area, so the payoff is a relaxed lakeside finish rather than a big summit view.

The trail itself is well marked and very well maintained, with wide, soft tread that makes for easy walking or running. A lot of the route runs close to the road, so expect steady traffic noise and the odd glimpse of concrete mixed in with the trees, waterfalls, and streams. There’s a short side path to a surprisingly nice waterfall about a kilometre from the Main Corral, and the forest is full of banana slugs, birds, and, at times, black bears, so keep your eyes open and dogs leashed.

Right now, part of the Alouette Lake Trail is closed around the 4 km mark due to slope instability, but there’s a straightforward detour and signs make it clear. The path can get very wet, with muddy sections and small washouts at creek crossings, and in colder months you can hit rain low down and snow higher up, so waterproof shoes and a spare layer help a lot. You don’t need a day pass if you park at Main Corral, watch for horse droppings on the trail, and plan this Maple Ridge hike for a weekday if you want it quieter and don’t mind the steady hum of the road.